Abnormal Periods / Endometriosis Specialist

Grube Gynecology

Abnormal periods develop from various causes, including endometriosis. Both conditions need early treatment to prevent long-term complications. Dr. Timothy Grube and the team at Grube Gynecology have extensive experience getting to the underlying cause of the problem and helping patients get relief from their heavy bleeding or pain. If you’re concerned about your periods, call the office in Frackville, Pennsylvania or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

Abnormal Periods / Endometriosis Q & A

What are abnormal periods?

The typical menstrual cycle, or time between periods, is 24-38 days, while menstrual periods may last up to eight days.

The following are signs of abnormal periods:

Bleeding or spotting between your periods

Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days

Menstrual periods that vary in duration

Heavy bleeding during your period

What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

If you meet any of the following, your periods are too heavy:

Bleeding that lasts beyond the average eight days

Soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours

What causes abnormal periods?

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines your uterus, the endometrium, begins to grow outside the uterus. Patches most often develop on the outer surface of your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, although endometriosis can appear anywhere in your pelvic region.

The endometrium goes through regular monthly changes, thickening as it prepares to support a fertilized egg, then shedding and causing your menstrual period if you don’t become pregnant.

When the tissue is outside your uterus, it continues to go through the same cycle. However, it stays in your pelvic area when it sheds and causes inflammation and scarring over time.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis causes two primary symptoms: pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Your pain may range from mild to severe. It could occur throughout your abdomen, when you urinate, or during intercourse.

You may not have any symptoms, however. Some women learn they have endometriosis when they have trouble getting pregnant and go in for an infertility evaluation. Then their endometriosis is discovered during diagnostic testing.

How are abnormal periods and endometriosis treated?

Hormonal medications that regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding can treat both conditions. Otherwise, you may need minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial implants or the uterine lining to stop bleeding.

If your endometriosis is severe and you don’t want to have children in the future, you may consider a hysterectomy to remove your uterus.

If you experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, or other abnormal bleeding, call Grube Gynecology or book an appointment online.